Vista woman pleads not guilty to murder charge

A Vista woman accused of fatally stabbing a man during an argument in a house where they both lived pleaded not guilty Monday to a murder charge.

Tracy Gillespie, 51, also faces an allegation she used a knife in the attack on Paul Atoguie Reyes, 31. If convicted, she could be sentenced to 26 years to life in prison.

Gillespie was arraigned Monday in Vista Superior Court. Her bail was set at $2 million.

Sheriff’s Department officials said the stabbing occurred shortly before 1 a.m. April 9 at a home on Highland Drive near Olive Drive. Nine people were living in the house at the time.

Deputy District Attorney Roy Lai ﻿said Gillespie and Reyes were acquaintances who stayed at the house. They got into an argument and Gillespie stabbed Reyes in the chest, puncturing his heart, the prosecutor said.

Reyes died before he could be taken to a hospital, authorities said.

According to court records, Gillespie has a 2007 conviction for driving under the influence of methamphetamine and drug possession.